Comments on: Thrashers hope there’s substance behind the optimism

By: Brendan

Brendan — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:14:07 +0000

Ed, 7,000 to 8,000 fans just represents the following of the OTHER team visiting Philips Arena. If Atlanta draws 4,500 of its own fans, that’s 12,500. And chances are, they’ll average 12,000 to 14,000 fans even in bad seasons.

This season, Atlanta is projected 13th or 14th in the Eastern Conference. And Opening Night was a sellout. All this market really needs is BELIEF in the ownership and management. I wouldn’t exactly say that’s been achieved. I’m just saying … that’s all it’d really take. There’s virtually no way the team would play to 7,000 fans a night, even if the team finished with 76-points every year.

At 75-points every year, that’s still 12,500 fans, on average. And with revenue-sharing dollars, the team will stay afloat. That’s far from an ideal situation, but clearly, that’s how it’s worked in the past.

By: Ed-Covington

Ed-Covington — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:33:44 +0000

It’s NOT all about the money. Kovy wants to play for a contender. There are plenty of contenders WITHOUT cap issues with more resources than the Thrashers. Kovy would leave for LESS money to go to the right team.

By: JS

JS — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:09:39 +0000

Where is kovy going to make more money? More than half of the teams already have cap issues. this isn’t MLB where the Yankees and Red Sox can just write another check. What legitimate contender can offer him the contract he is looking for if it is all about the money?

By: Ed-Covington

Ed-Covington — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:18:22 +0000

2019? Ten more years? Kovy is leaving. Why would he stay? If the T’s can/t draw WITH Kov., how can they w/o him? You are saying that this franchise can last 10 more years drawing 7000-8000 per game! Think so?

By: Brendan

Brendan — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:43:03 +0000

There is virutally no chance this franchise is leaving. At least prior to 2019. There is “some chance” that this is Don Waddell’s last year. Yeah, we’ve been hearing that for going on half a decade. But per Forbes Magazine, Waddell’s contract expires in 2010. Meaning?

Well, nothing. I suppose. As long as this ownership is in charge, Waddell probably stays. Irrespective of the outcome of the 2010 season, or if Kovalchuk leaves. There can and will be hockey after Kovalchuk in Atlanta. It means the Thrashers have to try something different, in terms of a strategy. I won’t go into it, since Kovy isn’t gone yet. But there’s a strategy that can work, sans Kovalchuk.

This city has 5 million people. It’s one of the larger TV markets. And all it truly needs to be successful … is competent ownership and accountable management. Once that arrives or is installed, the NHL will look pretty smart for putting hockey in Atlanta.

By: Ed-Covington

Ed-Covington — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:01:48 +0000

Right from the “we have two solid goalies for the next ten years” (one of them being Damien Rhodes!!!) statement after the expansion draft, this franchise has either lied to the fans or exhibited a fatal naivete in judging hockey talent. The Flames were never this bad and they left.
Judgement of this team:
Goaltending: Adequate
Offense: Better
Defense: Atrocious (named after one of Caesar’s assassins, I think!)

Same story every year. This administration is convinced that offense, not winning, will save this franchise. They are sadly misshapened, I mean mistaken. Kovy wants his name on the cup, and he knows it won’t happen here. He can make the same, if not MORE money with a winner. He leaves after this season, the franchise moves to Alpharetta. I honestly believe that there is a sufficient hockey fan base in metro Atlanta to support a successful franchise; but knowledgeable hockey fans will NOT support a poorly-run franchise just because the players have ATLANTA written across their jerseys. I’m not saying they need to win the Cup, just make some progress. What real improvement have we seen in this team from the beginning other than Kovy? After how many trades and low high draft picks? I’ll be sorry to see Atlanta lose an NHL franchise, but I won’t be sorry to see DW and his Thrashers go.

By: Thrashers27

Thrashers27 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:25:53 +0000

One thing to point out is that most of the hockey pundits are so dismissive of The Thrashers as legitimate contendors that they overlook them in their polls. I really don’t think they take the time to look at the chemistry and talent of the team. They really don’t know who John Anderson is and have no idea what he is capable of. Darren Elliot gives a favorable rview of the Thrashers and feels they are post season bound. Sure this could be because he feels obligated, but I really think he believes the Thrashers are contendors because he is familiar with the team and knows what they’re truly capable of.

Playoffs, here we come!!! Go blue!

By: Brendan

Brendan — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:15:39 +0000

I personally give Pavelec credit for not only the win, but lasting through the game without injuring his groin.

Okay, you got me. I burst out laughing. Thanks!

By: Old Time Hockey

Old Time Hockey — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:58:02 +0000

As stated, a win is a win. It’s a lot easier to work on correcting things after a win. I personally give Pavelec credit for not only the win, but lasting through the game without injuring his groin. That’s a change from the past. All of Kari’s issues are the result of poor conditioning. Bad back is from weak core muscles. Weak core muscles are from not working out efficiently. Not working out efficiently is how you end up injured and not living up to your potential. Here’s hoping Pavelec starts to show some confidence and makes Kari expendable when/if he is healthy.

By: Dawggy Style

Dawggy Style — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:21:41 +0000

While I agree that Pavs can make a cup of coffee nervous, he did only allow 3 goals on a night when Brodeur, Khabibulin and Ward all got toasted in losses. Let’s enjoy his “excitement” and take the points when we can! Also, kudos to Thorburn and Boulton for doing their jobs exceedingly well!!